The Calvacade Ford Bantam Bears have started their season with high hopes.
Friday Oct. 2nd had South Muskoka playing host to the Parry Sound Shamrocks.......
In their first meeting of the season, the Shamrocks were anything but lucky as the Bears skated off with a 15-1
win.
Saturday Oct.3rd had the Bears facing off against the Huntsville Otters.
This was the second season meeting between the 2 rivals.
It was anything but disappointing.
The Bears scored quickly into the opening frame with forward Joel Antonides assisting Keegan Mitchell. Mitchell chipped it up the ice snaking his way past the defense where he sniped a beauty goal. This seemed to set the tone for things to come as the Bears were relentless with their intensity. South Muskoka showcased a team with a tenacious appetite, huge potential and a solid foundation.
Less than a minute into the 2nd frame, defenseman Jack Lyndon sent a searing cross-ice pass to forward Josh Dikeos. Dikeos blew up the ice on a break-away sending a blistering shot goal-side, making this a 2-0 game.
The Otters retaliated quickly, scoring only moments later.
This game of cat and mouse carried on throughout the period with the puck seeing loads of end-to-end action.
Simply put,it was a gritty game and good hockey.
There was no shortage of penalties from both teams as the refs had a rotating door on the penalty boxes.
Forwards Ryan Henderson and Shayne Dowling worked tirelessly setting up several scoring opportunities while
the defensive end worked hard at holding the blue line. Kristopher Brinks and Tyler Soucy hounded the Otters with quick checks and fast hands.
Cole Ruddell put this game to bed after taking a nice pass from Conor Quemby. Ruddell fired the puck top-shelf for a 3-1 win over the Otters.
Netminding duties went to Brad Webb who remained focused and calm during some very intense moments.
The Bears now hold a 2-1-0 record.
Mary Lyndon
Photo by John Pococky